On the northern tip of Biarritz, where the town gives way to the long beaches of Anglet, the Phare de Biarritz stands on Pointe Saint-Martin. This tall white lighthouse dates from the first half of the nineteenth century and still guides ships in the Bay of Biscay, and it has become one of the town’s favourite viewpoints. Visitors climb its spiral staircase when it is open to the public, then step out onto the gallery to look out over the Atlantic, the whole coastline of Anglet stretching north and the roofs of Biarritz and the Pyrenees to the south. Even when you cannot go inside, the headland is a rewarding place: a breezy promenade, a small park and some of the best light for photographs in the area, with surfers working the waves below.
How the visit works
The lighthouse sits at the end of a pleasant walk from the Grande Plage through the Hôtel du Palais area and the Plateau de l’Atalaye, or from the Chambre d’Amour at the Anglet side. The climb is by a narrow spiral stair of roughly two hundred and fifty steps, with no lift, so it is a real climb and not suitable for anyone with limited mobility, claustrophobia or very small children.
Visits are usually offered on set days and times and are often seasonal, so check the opening days with the tourist office before you plan around it. A small ticket is normally charged for the climb.
What you will see
From the gallery the view is a genuine reward. To the north the sand of Anglet runs away in a straight line, backed by pines, while to the south you can pick out the Grande Plage, the casino, the Hôtel du Palais and the Rocher de la Vierge. On a clear day the Pyrenees show as a pale blue line, and the Spanish coast is visible beyond Hendaye.
The lighthouse itself is a modest museum of seafaring, and the keepers’ history is part of the story of a coast that has seen many shipwrecks. Around the base, a short garden and a coastal path lead to viewpoints where you can watch the surf and the swell.
Making the most of it
Go early or late in the day to avoid the strongest heat and the longest queue for the stairs, and bring a light windproof layer even in summer because the gallery is exposed. If you cannot climb, walk the headland path instead, which gives a very similar experience of the coast at no cost.
Combine the visit with a walk along the Chambre d’Amour cliff path toward Anglet, or take the bus or a bike back to the centre. A visit works well on a clear morning after a night of rain, when the air is sharp and the Pyrenees stand out.
Good to know
The headland is a pleasant place even if the stairs are closed, with benches, a lawn and a sea-view path that locals use for jogging and dog walks. Wind can be strong, so a cap or hood is useful. If you want to combine the lighthouse with a longer outing, hire a bike and follow the coastal route toward the Chambre d’Amour and the beaches of Anglet, then return along the same line. The area is also a lovely spot for stargazing and for watching the lighthouse beam at dusk.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided climb up a spiral staircase to a panoramic gallery, with a walk along the headland before or after.
Best time
Clear mornings or late afternoon. Opening days are often seasonal, so check ahead.
How long
About an hour including the walk to and from the point.
Tips
Roughly 250 steps with no lift. Bring a windproof layer and check the opening days before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who enjoys a climb and a big coastal panorama, especially photographers.
- Families
- Older children will enjoy the climb, but the narrow stairs are unsuitable for very small ones.
- Couples
- A clear late afternoon gives golden light over Anglet and the Pyrenees.
- Pair with
- The Chambre d’Amour cliff path and the Grande Plage.
- Time needed
- One to one and a half hours.
Good questions
How many steps are there to the top of the lighthouse?+
The staircase has roughly two hundred and fifty steps and there is no lift, so it is a proper climb.
Is the lighthouse always open to visitors?+
No. Opening days are limited and often seasonal, so check with the tourist office before you plan around the climb.
Does it cost money?+
A small ticket is normally charged for the climb. The headland and its viewpoints are free to enjoy.
Is it suitable for young children?+
Older children usually cope, but the narrow spiral stairs and open gallery are not suitable for very small ones or anyone with limited mobility.
What can I see from the top?+
You can see the Biarritz coastline, the long beaches of Anglet, the Pyrenees on clear days and the Spanish coast beyond Hendaye.
